A Master’s degree in Public Health will help to qualify a graduate for more senior positions with community and government organizations in this growing field. The cost of a degree is an investment in your future, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye on the bottom line. The schools on this list of Affordable Online Masters Degrees in Public Health offer a combination of good quality programming and reasonable tuition rates.
#1 American Public University
Executive Summary
American Public University was founded in 1991. This online school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Students at APU pay $325.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Core courses for this program include public health in America, research methods in public health, social and behavioral aspects of health, statistics for public health, and epidemiology.
#2 University of North Carolina
Executive Summary
The University of North Carolina was established in 1795. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. Its School of Public Health is very well known and well respected.
Tuition
Graduate students at UNC pay $405.50 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Masters degree students take two courses in the fall and spring and one in the summer session. The program has two on-campus sessions as well.
#3 Walden University
Executive Summary
Walden University was founded in 1970 by two educators who wanted to offer a way for adults to continue their education while remaining in the workforce. The first degrees were conferred two years later, and this accredited institution offers certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D programs.
Tuition
Each quarter credit hour costs $415.00.
Unique Features
Required courses for this program include health policy and management biostatistics, health informatics, legal and regulatory aspects of public health, research in public health, and public health biology.
#4 Grand Canyon University
Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University was established in 1949. This school will appeal to prospective students who are looking for an institution that will offer courses from a Christian perspective.
Tuition
Students at Grand Canyon University pay $465.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The Master’s degree program is run as a class, where students start and finish their courses together. A student can choose to take one or more classes per semester. Each person enrolled in the program is expected to commit to logging into the online system at least four times per week.
#5 Capella University
Executive Summary
Capella University specializes in offering online degrees to adult students. This private school is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and it is accredited The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Classes at Capella cost $448.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.7 to be considered. Once admitted, students should plan to log in to the online platform at least twice a week to pick up assignments.
Concentrations
Health Policy and Management
Public Administration
Public Policy and Management
Nonprofit Management and Leadership
#6 A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Executive Summary
The A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is a private school operating on a not-for-profit basis. Students are admitted under an open enrollment system. ATSU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition is $437.50 per credit hour.
Unique Features
All coursework in the Master’s degree program can be completed online. Students are required to complete a practicum as part of their program. This requirement can be satisfied by working with a local organization.
#7 Kaplan University
Executive Summary
Kaplan University has been offering degree programs since 1937. This school gives new students the opportunity to try a program for five weeks before they are required to pay any tuition.
Tuition
Kaplan students pay $385.00 per credit hour, which is one of the cheapest tuition rates you will find for online programs.
Unique Features
Required courses include ones focusing on health behavior, public health biology, principles of epidemiology, principles of biostatistics, and occupational and environmental health.
#8 Des Moines University
Executive Summary
Des Moines University was founded in 1898. The school focuses on degree programs in health sciences and medicine. DMU’s MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
Tuition
Des Moines U charges $522.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants to the Master’s degree program should have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Experience in the public health field would be a benefit. Required courses include epidemiology, social & behavioral sciences, and basic statistics & research.
#9 University of Florida
Executive Summary
The University of Florida has been offering an online MPH program since January 2010. The program is accredited by the Council on Education in Public Health.
Tuition
Students at UF pay $550.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The Master’s program can be completed in two years of full-time study. The program includes an internship component.
#10 University of Massachusetts
Executive Summary
The University of Massachusetts’ School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The University is one of the top-ranked educational institutions in the world.
Tuition
The fee per credit at UMass Online is $590.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Most students enrolled in the MPH program complete it in 3-3.5 years. There is a three-course cap per semester.
